Alessandrino e Monferrato
Alessandria has a natural vocation for cycling, thanks also to Novi Ligure, the native town of Coppi and Girardengo, to whom is dedicated the largest European museum on the history and legends of the bicycle. The roads run along the plains, up and down hills, with some breathtaking views along the way; these same roads where the natural training ground for the first two great champions of the cycling era. Going along them on foot or by bicycle, you can come across crystal-clear streams, woods full of wildlife, golf courses and equipped sports centres. In an instant you will pass by castles, medieval fortresses, Roman settlements and modern shopping centres, such as the Serravalle Scrivia Outlet, combining history and culture with shopping.
The territory of the valleys is perfect for extreme sports lovers, who can tackle the Pertuso gorges by canoe or challenge themselves with trekking, rock climbing or parachute jumping.
The impressive natural resources can be enjoyed along routes in protected areas or from observation points set up in the parks. Cycle tourism, trekking and birdwatching enthusiasts or ordinary tourists will be enthusiastic about the three provincial parks: the Capanne di Marcarolo Natural Regional Park, between Liguria and Piedmont; the Special Reserve of the Sacred Mount of Crea, in the area of Casale Monferrato, created around a place of ancient spirituality; the Protected Areas of the River Po which, in addition to the banks of the longest river in Italy, covers the confluence area of the three river basins of Sesia, Tanaro and Scrivia.
The cities of Alessandria, Acqui Terme, Casale Monferrato, Novi Ligure, Ovada, Tortona and Valenza are ideal departure points all year to discover and rediscover the features of a land which is famous for the vineyards and the infernots of Monferrato, the Novi and Tortona hills rich in historical-cultural and food and wine traditions, including chocolate, wine, focaccia, amaretti and baci di dama, but also for its hospitality: numerous hotels, restaurants and farmhouses are available to tourists who wish to get to know the true colours and flavours of this part of Piedmont.
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